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Hyundai Santa Fe — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Hyundai Santa Fe model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
26
Years to Avoid
2017, 2013
Best Years
2026, 2025, 2024, 2006, 2001
2026Best Year
9 complaints3 recalls3 TSBs
2025Best Year
99 complaints4 recalls30 TSBs
2024Best Year
114 complaints6 recalls32 TSBs
2023
268 complaints1 recalls39 TSBs
2022
256 complaints5 recalls87 TSBs
2021
216 complaints7 recalls1 invest.93 TSBs
2020
233 complaints2 recalls1 invest.101 TSBs
2019
250 complaints2 recalls1 invest.170 TSBs
2018
137 complaints2 recalls2 invest.109 TSBs
2017Avoid
1,172 complaints6 recalls3 invest.135 TSBs
2016
282 complaints3 recalls3 invest.106 TSBs
2015
324 complaints2 recalls3 invest.105 TSBs
2014
675 complaints3 recalls7 invest.113 TSBs
2013Avoid
806 complaints3 recalls8 invest.153 TSBs
2012
468 complaints1 recalls6 invest.95 TSBs
2011
266 complaints3 recalls5 invest.105 TSBs
2010
327 complaints3 recalls3 invest.115 TSBs
2009
503 complaints3 recalls1 invest.60 TSBs
2008
713 complaints6 recalls1 invest.62 TSBs
2007
981 complaints9 recalls2 invest.76 TSBs
2006Best Year
143 complaints1 recalls46 TSBs
2005
300 complaints3 recalls50 TSBs
2004
386 complaints3 recalls73 TSBs
2003
390 complaints4 recalls1 invest.86 TSBs
2002
219 complaints4 recalls1 invest.48 TSBs
2001Best Year
3 complaints1 recalls3 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Hyundai Santa Fe Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2017, 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Hyundai Santa Fe, consider the 2026, 2025, 2024, 2006, 2001 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

26 model years analyzed